In the News

Dems scorn Trump decision, GOP lawmakers are quiet

President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement brought sharp criticism from Colorado's Democratic lawmakers Thursday and little support from Republicans.

While in Pueblo touring an addiction treatment center, Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet said Trump is turning his back on renewable energy and the new economy, where Colorado is a leader.

Democrats may have been expecting the Trump decision because they quickly announced their disagreement.

Republican lawmakers may have been less certain because they weren't issuing statements or responding to requests for comment after the White House announcement.

Rep. Scott Tipton, the Republican who represents Pueblo and the 3rd Congressional District, did not respond to a request for comment

Republican Sen. Cory Gardner did send out a statement, but it didn't endorse Trump's decision. It only said Congress should have a voice in environmental policy.

"The last administration never submitted the Paris Climate Agreement to Congress and acted unilaterally," Gardner said. "When Congress is bypassed, a president's orders can be reversed by a future presidential action."

Rep. Jared Polis, the Boulder Democrat, echoed Bennet in saying he expected Colorado leaders and businesses to continue to build on the state's renewable energy industry -- regardless of the Trump administration.

"Unlike this administration, I will continue to help find ways for Colorado and the United States to strongly address climate change and further clean energy technologies and jobs," he said in a statement.

Rep. Ed Perlmutter, from Arvada, said climate change is a real threat and Trump's decision will take the nation "backwards, not forward."